Poul Henningsen

Louis Poulsen, Denmark
Dansk Mobelkunst, Copenhagen

Tina Jørstian and Poul Erik Munk Nielsen, Light Years Ahead:  The Story of the PH Lamp, Copenhagen, 1994, pp. 148-149
Erik Steffensen, Poul Henningsen, Copenhagen, 2006, p. 23

Please note, the lamp is Model 4/3, not 3/2 as stated in the catalogue. The diameter on the top shade corresponds with the “4” size. Overall very good original condition. The red painted shades with some minor surface scratches, the largest measuring approximately one inch to the smallest shade. Some very light surface abrasions and rubbing to the paint of the shade. The interior of the shade is a gilt color which was part of the design and meant to illuminate a yellow tone through its reflection. The base has acquired a beautiful patina over time. A few shallow scratches to the standard and base and some surface dirt. A beautiful example formerly in the private museum of Louis Poulsen, and a piece that was retained in Mark’s private collection for many years.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Walking the streets of Copenhagen for the first time, I was astonished at the number of "artichoke" hanging fixtures used in public spaces. It became a running joke; there were ten in the bank where I changed money, four in a pastry shop, and twenty in the lobby of the famous SAS Hotel where I stayed. They were literally everywhere.

To me, the designer of the artichoke, Poul Henningsen, was the single most important lighting designer in Europe in the first half of the 20th Century.   And I can think of no better example of the ultimate success of his ground breaking work than the PH desk/table lamps of the late 1920's. They combine the beauty of a mass-produced collection of moving parts with a full realization of what I call the "hide the bulb" concept. The strength of the light is mitigated by the position, size, and coloration of the louvered shades. I first saw and paid attention to examples of these lamps at Ole Hostbo's (MEG--THE FIRST O GETS A SLASH) shop Dansk Mobelkunst (MEG--FIRST O GETS A SLASH) in Copenhagen, and I specifically remember a large desk lamp with three milk-glass shades floating atop this beautifully machined bronze base with a rich dark patina reminiscent of the best Tiffany lamp bases.

I began pursuing, buying, and selling the best "PH" lamps and hanging fixtures I could find, often with Ole as a partner. One year he brought to the Modernism Show in New York this absolutely perfect example he had just acquired directly from the Louis Poulsen factory museum in a trade for an earlier lamp they lacked in their collection. Lot 304, Table Lamp Model 3/2 has superb patina and its vintage is as good as it gets-- 1927 -- the best example of the model I have ever seen on the market.  -MM